Elderberry Juice Helps Reduce the Severity and Duration of Viral URI (Flu and Cold)

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There has been more research being produced that suggests that Elderberry Juice may help reduce the severity and duration of viral upper respiratory illnesses including the common cold and the flu. However, in order for its beneficial effects to be maximally achieved, it needs to be taken within 24-48 hours of symptom onset.

The suggested dosage for adults is 1 tablespoon 4x per day for 3-5 days.

For children, the dosage is 1 tablespoon 2x per day for 3 days.

Elderberry juice can be purchased on Amazon and certain health food stores.

Unfortunately, most patients have been ill for more than a week by the time they see me in the clinic at which point it's questionable whether elderberry juice will help or not.

Also keep in mind that much of the research done so far has been on small sample sizes and more needs to be done to determine whether Elderberry Juice truly has any significant clinical benefit.

References:

Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections. The Journal of International Medical Research 32 (2): 132–40. doi:10.1177/147323000403200205. PMID 15080016.

The effect of Sambucol, a black elderberry-based, natural product, on the production of human cytokines. European cytokine network 12 (2): 290–6. PMID 11399518.

Anti-influenza virus effects of elderberry juice and its fractions. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2012;76(9):1633-8. Epub 2012 Sep 7.